Dead whale shark driven through streets of China by fishermen who hope to sell it

The carcass of a whale shark was driven through the streets of Fujian, China, on a pickup truck three days ago (Sep 4).

According to Shanghaiist, the fish had earlier been caught by some fishermen. They then planned to sell the huge aquatic creature to a hotel.

The hotel's management, however, turned down their offer as they thought the whale was 'too smelly' and likely too full of mercury to eat.

The fishermen then decided to cut up the fish with a saw, possibly because they thought it would be easier to sell their catch off in parts.

Netizens were riled up after photos of the whale shark made its rounds online as Chinese regulations dictate that they must be set free right away after they are caught.

Since then, a police investigation has been launched over what happened.